Boating Course & Fees in Maryland
Maryland requires boaters to complete a NASBLA-approved boating safety education course and obtain a Maryland Certificate of Boating Safety Education. The certificate is lifetime and non-revokable once issued. There is no state fee for the certificate itself or for the application process.
The cost of completing the course varies depending on the vendor selected. Most courses cost approximately $40, though prices may differ across providers. Some vendors, such as the BoatUS Foundation, offer free course options. Individuals should verify current course pricing and enrollment details directly with their chosen provider or through the official Maryland state boating authority, as fees and offerings are set by individual course vendors and subject to change.
| Detail | As the state publishes it |
|---|---|
| Accepted credential / course | Maryland Certificate of Boating Safety Education (NASBLA-approved course); lifetime, non-revocable |
| Fees | no state certificate/application fee; course cost varies by vendor (~$40; BoatUS free option) |
| Card required? | Education card required |
Course costs vs. card fees
Two different prices are at play: the boater-safety course (often free or low-cost, set by the approved vendor) and any state card or processing fee. Several states offer a free NASBLA-approved course — for example through the BoatUS Foundation — so the card can cost little beyond a small state fee. Vendor prices change, so confirm the current course list and fees on the official state agency page.
Step-by-step: how to get licensed → · Do you need a licence? →
Compiled from the official state source, cross-referenced against NASBLA, and verified June 2026. Always confirm the current rule on the official Maryland DNR, Natural Resources Police page before you rely on it — boating law changes and some states are mid-rollout. How we compile this. Informational only, not legal advice.